But the courageous turtle managed to survive the struggle for several minutes before French photographer, Jean-Michel Labat, helped it to escape.

I thought you were supposed to let nature take it's course as a wildlife photographer? Holy shiat, that lion is about to take down a fuzzy zebra, fire at will! All animals have to eat, guess Pepe le Pew doesn't understand this.

Isn't the whole point of a turtle's shell to protect it from predators? Why is it suddenly news when that works? Look out, Daily Mail, you're going to get scooped on that big "fire is hot" story.

Also FTFA "I found it all fascinating to watch at first but then I realised it was going to end badly for the turtle and I had to step in". Did he think the huge constricting snake was giving his 'lil turtle buddy a hug?

RicosRoughnecks:That type of turtle would not drown before the anaconda, and as long as the shell didn't crack right away the turtle was in little danger. Even turtles know Defense wins championships!

/I've seen tortoises chewed on by lions until the shell breaks, and still survive

Came in here to say that for a "Wildlife Photographer" he sure doesn't know much about water animals. Hint: Turtles sleep on the bed of the river, not on top, though they do like to stand on their toes and poke their noses out for some reason. Turtle could have ridden it out underwater for days.

On the other hand, some Anacondas have nearly a thousand pounds of crushing power, enough to splinter that shell. It might be tough, but that's as much as a truck tire rolling over, and lots of turtles die that way.